SIBF Awards 2024 Open For Submissions: A Platform For Literary Talents

The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has opened applications for the 2024 Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) Awards. This prestigious initiative honours authors, publishers, and translators for their contributions to Arabic and international literature. The deadline for submissions is 31st August 2024, with winners announced during the grand opening of the 43rd SIBF edition.

The annual event aims to celebrate literary talents, foster a culture of reading, and advance the global publishing industry. The awards reflect SBA’s commitment to H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi's vision to promote writing, translating, and publishing Arabic and international books. It also honours creative visionaries who offer enlightening content.

With a prize pool of AED625,000, the awards are divided into several main categories. These include the Sharjah Award for an Emirati Book, Sharjah Award for the Best Arabic Novel, Sharjah Award for the Best International Book, and Sharjah Publisher Recognition Award. Participants can submit entries and find more details on SIBF’s official website.

The Sharjah Award for an Emirati Book is divided into four subcategories with a total prize pool of AED300,000. ‘The Best Emirati Book for First-Time Authors’, worth AED50,000, honours debut novels by emerging Emirati authors. Other subcategories include ‘The Best Emirati Novel Award’, ‘Best Emirati Creative Literature Book’, and ‘Best Emirati Academic Book’. These aim to recognise authors' efforts in enriching UAE’s literary and academic works.

The Sharjah Award for the Best Arabic Novel offers AED150,000 to outstanding works of fiction that demonstrate authenticity and originality. This award is split evenly between the author and publisher to encourage collaboration on producing captivating novels with fresh perspectives.

Recognising International Contributions

The Sharjah Award for the Best International Book has a total value of AED100,000 and recognises outstanding fiction and non-fiction works written in English. It is split into two subcategories: ‘The Best International Fiction Book’ honours imaginative novels and short story collections, while ‘The Best International Non-Fiction Book’ celebrates works that provide factual insights into social life and history.

The Sharjah Publisher Recognition Award totals AED75,000 and celebrates innovation among publishers. It is divided into three subcategories: ‘The Best Local Publisher’, ‘Best Arab Publisher’, and ‘Best International Publisher’, each worth AED25,000. This award aims to inspire publishers to enhance their contributions to literature through local, regional, or global content.

This initiative by SBA underscores its dedication to advancing literature globally while recognising exceptional contributions in various literary fields.

With inputs from WAM